Tbilisi is the only city in Georgia where mayor is elected through direct vote.

Mayors of four other major cities – Kutaisi, Rustavi, Batumi and Poti – are elected by the local municipal Councils. The same rule was applied for Tbilisi as well, but it was changed as a result of amendments to the election code in December, 2009.

In other provincial municipalities, a head of district (Gamgebeli as it is called in Georgian) is appointed through the approval of local Councils.

A candidate, who receives more votes than others, but no less than 30% will be declared winner. If no one clears the 30% threshold, a run off will take place within a month between the two candidates who garner the highest number of votes.